Boxer who fought at Leeds United’s Elland Road before Josh Warrington fight makes football comeback with Welsh club
Former professional boxer Mason Cartwright is swapping the ring for the football pitch after signing for Cefn Albion following his retirement from a 13-year career in the sport.
The retired fighter, who challenged for several major titles during his time in professional boxing, has returned to football after hanging up his boots two years ago following the birth of his daughter.
Cartwright, who has also worked as a qualified strength and conditioning coach in Ruabon for the past 13 years, said he was delighted to put pen to paper with the Ardal North East side.
The 16,000-follower Instagram personality brings plenty of sporting experience to Albion, having competed for titles at British, European and world level during his boxing career.
Mason Cartwright’s decorated boxing career comes to an end
Cartwright’s professional career saw him challenge for some of the biggest honours in boxing, including the WBO European, WBC Silver, European and British titles, with two challenges for the British crown.
His final fight came in February 2026, when he suffered defeat to Ben Fail in Derby.
One of the notable occasions in Cartwright’s career came in May 2018, when he boxed at Leeds United’s Elland Road. He faced Darren Tetley for the WBO European welterweight title but was unable to secure the belt. It was on the undercard, prior to the fight between Josh Warrington and Lee Selby. Warrington made history by becoming the first man from Leeds to win a world boxing title, defeating Wales’ Lee Selby in a stunning split-decision upset.
After 13 years competing professionally, Cartwright has now brought his boxing career to a close and is preparing for a new chapter in football.
Why Boxer Mason Cartwright has signed for Cefn Albion
Football has remained an important part of Cartwright’s life, although family commitments saw him step away from playing two years ago.
Speaking about his move to Cefn Albion, he said: “I’m delighted to be signing for Cefn Albion. I’ve recently retired from a 13-year professional boxing career, challenging for some of the biggest titles in the sport, including the WBO European, WBC Silver, European and British titles, which I challenged for twice.
“Football has always been a massive part of my life, but I hung up my boots two years ago when my wife and I welcomed our little girl into the world.”
His connection with the local area has also played a part in his return, having spent more than a decade coaching in Ruabon as a qualified strength and conditioning coach.
Cartwright added: “Having coached in Ruabon for the last 13 years as a qualified strength and conditioning coach, I’ve got to know a few of the lads at Cefn Albion along the way. Foulksey eventually managed to twist my arm and get me to put pen to paper!
“Looking forward to getting back in the mix, pulling the boots back on and being part of the club. Let’s have it! Up the Albion.”
Cefn Albion prepare for Welsh Cup clash
Cartwright joins Cefn Albion as they prepare for Welsh Cup action against CPD Y Felinheli, who compete in the Ardal North West.
Albion have made a steady start to their Ardal North East campaign, sitting seventh in the table with four wins, one draw and two defeats from their opening seven matches.
The signing of Cartwright adds another experienced sporting figure to the club, with the former boxer now looking forward to making his mark back on the football pitch.
After years of competing under the lights in boxing rings, including at the famous Elland Road, Cartwright will be hoping his return to football brings a fresh challenge as he begins the next stage of his sporting career with Cefn Albion.
